Communication apparatus, communication method, communication system, and program

ABSTRACT

A new traffic offloading technique in a communication system is provided. A communication apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first means for selecting, from among a plurality of network nodes including a first network node and a second network node, the second network node for a terminal capable of autonomous communication with a communication-counterpart equipment, wherein the first network node performs predetermined signal processing in a first network and the second network node operates a function of the first network node through a virtual machine in a second network; and a second means for sending communication data related to the terminal to the second network node selected.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is a national stage application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2015/002586 entitled, “Communication Apparatus,Communication Method, Communication System, and Program,” filed on May22, 2015, which claims the benefit of the priority of Japanese PatentApplication No. 2014-106616, filed on May 23, 2014, the disclosures ofeach of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, acommunication method, a communication system, and a program that areused for communication.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, with the proliferation of smartphones, smart devices,and the like, communication traffic is sharply increasing, so thatnetwork congestion easily occurs. Accordingly, several techniques areproposed for easing network congestion.

For example, PTL 1 discloses a technique in which a plurality of typesof radio system are switched depending on the status of networkcongestion. A terminal, if it is capable of operating in both cellularcommunication and Wireless LAN (Local Area Network) as radio systems,can perform congestion determination and select an optimum radio system.For example, traffic on the cellular communication is switched to awireless LAN network, whereby it is possible to ease congestion in thecellular network.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[PTL 1]

Japanese Patent Application Unexamined Publication No. 2009-118356

SUMMARY Technical Problem

However, the network switching technique disclosed in PTL 1 is limitedto cases where a terminal is capable of using a plurality of differentradio systems. Accordingly, if the terminal is unable to access theplurality of types of radio systems, for example, because of a locationwhere the terminal is staying, communication traffic offloading cannotbe performed, and consequently a reduction in network congestion cannotbe achieved.

Accordingly an object of the present invention is to provide a newtraffic offloading technique.

Solution to Problem

A communication apparatus of the present invention includes: a firstmeans for selecting, from among a plurality of network nodes including afirst network node and a second network node, the second network nodefor a terminal capable of autonomous communication with acommunication-counterpart equipment, wherein the first network nodeperforms predetermined signal processing in a first network and thesecond network node operates a function of the first network nodethrough a virtual machine in a second network; and a second means forsending communication data related to the terminal to the second networknode selected.

A communication method of the present invention includes: selecting,from among a plurality of network nodes including a first network nodeand a second network node, the second network node for a terminalcapable of autonomous communication with a communication-counterpartequipment, wherein the first network node performs predetermined signalprocessing in a first network and the second network node operates afunction of the first network node through a virtual machine in a secondnetwork; and sending communication data related to the terminal to thesecond network node selected.

A communication system of the present invention is a communicationsystem including a communication apparatus that processes communicationdata related to a terminal, wherein the communication apparatusincludes: a first means for selecting, from among a plurality of networknodes including a first network node and a second network node, thesecond network node for a terminal capable of autonomous communicationwith a communication-counterpart equipment, wherein the first networknode performs predetermined signal processing in a first network and thesecond network node operates a function of the first network nodethrough a virtual machine in a second network; and a second means forsending communication data related to the terminal to the second networknode selected.

A program of the present invention causes a computer to execute:processing for selecting, from among a plurality of network nodesincluding a first network node and a second network node, the secondnetwork node for a terminal capable of autonomous communication with acommunication-counterpart equipment, wherein the first network nodeperforms predetermined signal processing in a first network and thesecond network node operates a function of the first network nodethrough a virtual machine in a second network; and processing forsending communication data related to the terminal to the second networknode selected.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a newtraffic offloading technique.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system architecture diagram showing an example of acommunication system according to a first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic functionalconfiguration of a base station according to the first exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic functionalconfiguration of a terminal according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of operation in thecommunication system according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a system architecture diagram showing an example of acommunication system according to a second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing a first example of operation in thecommunication system according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing operation related to a non-MTC devicein a second example of operation in the communication system accordingto the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing operation related to an MTC device inthe second example of operation in the communication system according tothe second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an MME's operation for identifying aterminal type in the second example of operation in the communicationsystem according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematicfunctional configuration of the MME in the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing a third example of operation in thecommunication system according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a system architecture diagram showing an example of acommunication system according to a third exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematicfunctional configuration of a base station according to the thirdexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structureof a policy management database provided to the base station accordingto the third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematicfunctional configuration of a router according to the third exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 16 is a sequence chart showing an example of operation in thecommunication system according to the third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a system architecture diagram showing an example of acommunication system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 is a sequence chart showing an example of operation in thecommunication system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a sequence chart showing another example of operation in thecommunication system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a system architecture diagram showing an example of acommunication system according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematicfunctional configuration of a control apparatus according to the fifthexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematicfunctional configuration of a base station according to the fifthexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a system architecture diagram showing an example of acommunication system according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematicfunctional configuration of a control apparatus according to the sixthexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematicfunctional configuration of a communication apparatus according to thesixth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a system architecture diagram showing an example of acommunication system according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic system architecture diagram for describing anexample of a charging method in the communication system according tothe seventy exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a sequence chart showing an example of operation in thecommunication system according to the seventh exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a sequence chart showing another example of operation in thecommunication system according to the seventh exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a system architecture diagram showing another example of thecommunication system according to the seventh exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed. Each embodiment is shown for illustration, and the presentinvention is not limited to each embodiment.

1. First Exemplary Embodiment

Hereinafter, an example of an LTE communication system will be describedas a communication system according to a first exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. However, a communication system to which thepresent invention is applied is not limited to LTE. For example, thepresent invention can be also applied to GPRS (General Packet RadioService), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), WiMAX(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), and the like.

1.1) System Architecture

Referring to FIG. 1, it is assumed that the communication systemaccording to the present exemplary embodiment includes a terminal 1, alegacy network, and a virtual network. The terminal 1 is a mobiletelephone, PC (Personal Computer), mobile router, smart device (smartmeter monitoring power consumption at home, smart television, orwearable terminal), M2M (Machine to Machine) device, or the like. M2Mdevices include, for example, industrial equipment, vehicles, healthcareequipment, home appliances, and the like in addition to theabove-mentioned devices.

The legacy network and virtual network are backbone networks such as EPC(Evolved Packet Core) and are used for the terminal 1 to communicatewith an external network such as the Internet via a base station 2.

The legacy network includes a plurality of network nodes for provingcommunication services to the terminal 1, and each network node is acommunication apparatus having predetermined communication functions.For example, the network nodes are communication apparatuses such as thebase station (eNB) 2, an SGW (Service Gateway) 3, a PGW (PDN Gateway) 4,and an MME (Mobility Management Entity) 5. For example, the terminal 1can access a network such as the internet via the SGW 3 and PGW 4 byconnecting to the base station 2.

Note that the communication system shown in FIG. 1 may include othernetworks than the legacy network and virtual network. Moreover, each ofthe legacy network and virtual network may include a plurality of typesof networks such as, for example, an LTE network, a GPRS network, and aUMTS network.

Each network node illustrated in FIG. 1 performs predetermined signalprocessing. Each network includes, for example, the following functionsrelated to signal processing.

SGW 3:

-   -   Function of processing packets (User-Plane function)    -   Function of processing control signaling (C-Plane function)    -   Lawful interception (LI: Lawful Interception) function for        intercepting communication        PGW 4:    -   Function of processing packets (User-Plane function)    -   Function of managing charging status based on communication        (PCEF: Policy and Charging Enforcement Function)    -   Function of controlling policies such as QoS (PCRF: Policy and        Charging Rule Function)        MME 5:    -   Function of processing control signaling (C-Plane function)    -   Function of managing subscriber information in the communication        system in liaison with HSS (Home Subscriber Server)

In the virtual network, at least part of the functions of the networknodes in the legacy network are virtually run by software. For example,a function of a network node is run by an application on a virtualmachine. For example, the virtual network is constructed in a datacenterincluding a server and other communication equipment (a router and thelike). In the virtual network, the functions of some network nodes inthe legacy network (e.g., the functions of an MME) can be run bysoftware such as Virtual Machine.

The virtual network can be constructed by dynamically scalingout/scaling in a virtual machine. For example, the network operator candynamically construct the virtual network by activating or deactivatinga virtual machine depending on the status of communication traffic inthe network, or depending on whether or not it is a predetermined timeof day. Moreover, the network operator can also dynamically constructthe virtual network by activating or deactivating a virtual machine todeal/dealing with a predetermined communication traffic, for example,the communication traffic of a predetermined terminal 1. Furthermore,the network operator can also dynamically construct the virtual networkby activating or deactivating a virtual machine so that a requirement ofcommunication traffic processing (e.g., SLA: Service Level Agreement)will be satisfied. For example, it is possible that some virtualmachines are deactivated during predetermined hours when communicationtraffic is light, whereby resources allocated to the virtual network aresuppressed, and power consumption in the datacenter is reduced.

The base station 2 can disperse, distribute, allocate, or switchcommunication traffic among the plurality of networks included in thebackbone. In the example shown in FIG. 1, communication traffic isalloated to or switched between the legacy network and the virtualnetwork included in the backbone of a radio network between the terminal1 and the base station 2. Accordingly, for example, even if the terminal1 that is operable in a network such as a wireless LAN is unable toaccess a wireless LAN, its communication traffic can be offloaded in thebackbone network. Hence, according to the present exemplary embodiment,the base station 2 can perform traffic offloading independent of theradio environment of a terminal.

1.2) Communication Apparatus

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the base station 2,which is an example of the communication apparatus according to thepresent exemplary embodiment. The base station 2 includes anidentification section 20 and a network switching section 21.

The identification section 20 identifies the type of a communicationtraffic or the attribute/type of the terminal 1 and selects a networkcorresponding to the identified communication traffic or the terminal 1from among a plurality of networks including the legacy network andvirtual network. Moreover, the identification section 20 may select anetwork node corresponding to the identified communication traffic orthe terminal 1 from among a plurality of network nodes including thenodes of the legacy network and the virtual nodes of the virtualnetwork.

As another example, the identification section 20 can identify the typeof a communication traffic, the type of the terminal 1, or the like,based on a predetermined identification policy. For example, theidentification section 20 identifies a communication traffic that shouldbe processed in the virtual network, based on an identification policy.Moreover, for example, the identification section 20 identifies whetheror not the terminal 1 is a terminal 1 of a type that should be processedin the virtual network, based on an identification policy. Theidentification policies of the identification section 20 can bedynamically changed, for example, by the network operator.

The network switching section 21 forwards a communication traffic to anetwork selected for this communication traffic. For example, thenetwork switching section 21 switches a path for forwarding thecommunication traffic so that the communication traffic related to theterminal 1 will travel over the selected network (e.g., the legacynetwork or virtual network). For example, the network switching section21 forwards a specific communication traffic identified by theidentification section 20 to the virtual network.

The network switching section 21 can distinguish between and manage anetwork node of the legacy network and a virtual network nodes of thevirtual network, as illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the networkswitching section 21 distinguishes between and manages identificationinformation related to the node of the legacy network (e.g., address ofthe node, or the like) and identification information related to thevirtual node of the virtual network (e.g., address of the virtual node,or the like). Moreover, for example, the network switching section 21may manage the identification information of each node in associationwith a flag that indicates whether or not this node is a virtual node.With the above-described configuration, the network switching section 21can send a communication traffic that should be offloaded onto thevirtual network to a virtual node on the virtual network.

The identification section 20 identifies, for example, whether or notthe terminal 1 is an MTC (Machine Type Communication) device. Forexample, the network switching section 21 forwards a communicationtraffic of the terminal 1 identified as an MTC device by theidentification section 20 to the virtual network. For example, when theterminal 1 is an MTC device, the identification section 20 may identifyan MTC device group to which this terminal 1 belongs. The networkswitching section 21 switches a network to which the communicationtraffic related to the terminal is forwarded, for example, depending onthe identified MTC device group.

The identification section 20 can identify a communication trafficcorresponding to a predetermined application. As an example, when theidentification section 20 identifies a communication trafficcorresponding to an M2M (Machine-to-Machine)-related application, thenetwork switching section 21 forwards this M2M-related communicationtraffic, for example, to the virtual network. As another example, theidentification section 20 may identify a communication trafficcorresponding to an SNS (Social Network Service) application or thelike. Moreover, the identification section 20 may identify acommunication traffic corresponding to an application operating in thebackground of the terminal 1 (e.g., an application automaticallyperforming communication at predetermined time intervals, irrelevant toa user's manipulation).

The identification section 20 can identify a communication trafficcorresponding to a predetermined location (e.g., a predetermined basestation, a predetermined cell, or the like). As an example, theidentification section 20 can identify a communication trafficcorresponding to a location where many users gather (an event venue, ashopping mall, or the like). The network switching section 21 forwardsthe communication traffic identified by the identification section 20,for example, to the virtual network.

FIG. 2 illustrates the base station 2 as the communication apparatusaccording to the present exemplary embodiment. However, it is alsopossible that the MME 5 has the above-described functions of theidentification section 20 and network switching section 21 as thecommunication apparatus.

<Terminal>

The base station 2 can also select a network, based on a predeterminedmessage sent by the terminal 1. Hereinafter, an example of theconfiguration of the terminal 1 capable of sending the predeterminedmessage to the base station 2 will be shown with reference to FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, the terminal 1 includes a message generationsection 10 and a communication section 11.

The message generation section 10 generates a message for the basestation 2 to select a network. For example, the message generationsection 10 generates a message including information that indicateswhether or not the terminal 1 is an MTC device. Moreover, for example,the message generation section 10 generates a message includinginformation that indicates an application corresponding to acommunication traffic.

The communication section 11 sends the generated message to the basestation 2. The base station 2 selects a network based on the messagesent from the terminal 1, as described above.

Traffic offloading according to the present exemplary embodiment can beperformed by using either the base station 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 orthe terminal 1 illustrated in FIG. 3, or both of them. Hereinafter, acommunication method according to the present exemplary embodiment willbe described.

1.3) Operation

FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of operation in thecommunication system according to the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

The terminal 1 notifies a network connection request to the base station2 (Operation S1-1). The terminal 1 notifies the network connectionrequest to the base station 2, for example, when power is turned on, orwhen the cellular communication function is turned on, or the like.

In response to the connection request from the terminal 1, the basestation 2 selects a network for the terminal 1 to connect to (OperationS1-2). In the system illustrated in FIG. 1, the base station 2 selectseither the legacy network or the virtual network. As an example, if theterminal 1 having notified the connection request is an MTC device, thebase station 2 connects this terminal 1 to the virtual network.

The base station 2 connects the terminal 1 to the selected network(Operation S1-3). In the system illustrated in FIG. 1, the base station2 connects the terminal 1 to either the legacy network or the virtualnetwork. The base station 2 can control the traffic volume flowing intothe legacy network, for example, by connecting terminals 1 of apredetermined type or communication traffic of a predetermined type tothe virtual network.

2. Second Exemplary Embodiment

According to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, abase station 2 can select a network node for a terminal 1 to connect to,depending on whether or not the terminal 1 is an MTC device. Thetechnique of the second exemplary embodiment is applicable to any of thefirst exemplary embodiment and under-described embodiments. Note thatMTC devices include the M2M devices recited as examples in theabove-described exemplary embodiment.

MTC devices include, for example, smart devices (smart meters monitoringpower consumption at home, smart televisions, wearable terminals, andthe like), industrial equipment, vehicles, healthcare equipment, homeappliances, and the like. MTC means a form of data communication thatdoes not necessarily require human involvement, like, for example, asmart meter. That is, an MTC device is capable of autonomouscommunication with communication-counterpart equipment. Standardizationof MTC is underway in technical standard specifications (3GPP TS22.368and the like). Conceivable uses of an MTC device include a case where anMTC device performs communication at a specified time (e.g., “at 12:00p.m. every day”, “at 3:00 a.m. every Friday”, or the like). Accordingly,in case where there are a number of MTC devices of the same type (e.g.,smart meters), it is conceivable that if they start communication at thesame time, a large volume of traffic may occur at a specified time. Sucha large volume of traffic can be a heavy load on the legacy network.

According to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,even if a large volume of traffic as described above occur, the basestation 2 can offload the communication traffic of MTC devices onto thevirtual network and thus can reduce the communication traffic processingload on the legacy network. Since it is expected that an enormous numberof MTC devices will be connected to a communication system in thefuture, for example, the base station 2 offloads control signals forconnecting the MTC devices to a network onto the virtual network,whereby the control signal processing load on the legacy network can begreatly reduced.

2.1) System Architecture

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a communication system according to thepresent exemplary embodiment has an architecture similar to that shownin FIG. 1. However, it is assumed that terminals 1 include a Non-MTCdevice 1A and an MTC device 1B. The configurations of the Non-MTC device1A, MTC device 1B, and base station 2 are similar to those of the firstexemplary embodiment, and therefore the same reference signs are giventhereto and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Moreover,the functions of network nodes (PGW 3, PGW 4, and MME 5) illustrated inFIG. 5 are also similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment, andtherefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The base station 2, which is a communication apparatus according to thepresent exemplary embodiment, can connect the MTC device 1B and non-MTCdevice 1A to a virtual network and a legacy network, respectively.Accordingly, the base station 2 can offload communication trafficrelated to the MTC device 1B onto the virtual network.

According to the second exemplary embodiment, for example, a virtualnetwork node included in the virtual network is run by a virtualmachine, which is dynamically constructed according to a requirementrelated to processing of the communication data of the MTC device 1B.The requirement is, for example, performance and a communicationbandwidth required for processing of the communication data of the MTCdevice 1B, SLA (Service Level Agreement) required for the communicationof the MTC device 1B, a time period of day when the communication of theMTC device 1B occurs, or the like.

2.2) Operation

<First Operation Example>

A sequence illustrated in FIG. 6 shows a first example of operation inwhich a communication method according to the present exemplaryembodiment is applied to the “Attach Procedure” described in subchapter5.3.2 of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) specifications(TS23.401 v12.3.0).

Referring to FIG. 6, it is assumed that the non-MTC device 1A sends “RRCConnection Request” to the base station 2 to establish a radioconnection between itself and the base station 2 (Operation S2-1).

The base station 2, in response to reception of the “RRC ConnectionRequest”, selects an MME to which the terminal is to be connected(Operation S2-2). For example, the identification section 20 of the basestation 2 identifies whether or not the terminal is an MTC device, basedon information included in the “RRC Connection Request”. As an example,the identification section 20 identifies whether or not the type of theterminal is MTC device, based on whether or not a “LAPI: Low AccessPriority Indicator” is included in the “RRC Connection Request”. Sinceno “LAPI” is included in the “RRC Connection Request” sent from thenon-MTC device 1A, the terminal is identified as a non-MTC device inOperation S2-2, and the legacy network is selected for this non-MTCdevice.

The non-MTC device 1A sends a message for requesting connection to anetwork (“Attach Request”) to the base station 2. Since the MME 5 in thelegacy network has been selected in Operation S2-2, the networkswitching section 21 of the base station 2 sends the “Attach Request”received from the non-MTC device 1A to the MME 5 in the selected legacynetwork (Operation S2-3).

In response to reception of the “Attach Request”, the MME 5 in thelegacy network initiates an EPS bearer establishment procedure(Operation S2-4). Upon initiation of the EPS bearer establishmentprocedure by the MME 5, control signals are exchanged between the SGW 3,PGW 4, MME 5, and base station 2, and an EPS bearer is established. Thenetwork switching section 21 of the base station 2 sends and receivescommunication data related to the non-MTC device 1A via the EPS bearer,whereby the non-MTC device 1A can perform communication with an externalnetwork via the established EPS bearer.

On the other hand, when the MTC device 1B sends “RRC Connection Request”to the base station 2 (Operation S2-5), system operation as follows isperformed.

The base station 2, in response to reception of the “RRC ConnectionRequest”, selects an MME to which the terminal is to be connected(Operation S2-6). Since the “RRC Connection Request” sent from the MTCdevice 1B includes a “LAPI”, the identification section 20 of the basestation 2 identifies the terminal having sent the “RRC ConnectionRequest” as an MTC device, based on the LAPI included in the “RRCConnection Request”, and selects the virtual network for this MTCdevice.

Accordingly, when the MTC device 1B sends a message for requestingconnection to a network (“Attach Request”) to the base station 2, thenetwork switching section 21 of the base station 2 sends the “AttachRequest” received from the MTC device 1B to the virtual MME 5A in theselected virtual network (Operation S2-7).

In response to reception of the “Attach Request”, the virtual MME 5Ainitiates an EPS bearer establishment procedure (Operation S2-8). Uponinitiation of the EPS bearer establishment procedure by the virtual MME5A, control signals are exchanged between the virtual SGW 3A, virtualPGW 4A, virtual MME 5A, and base station 2, and an EPS bearer isestablished. The network switching section 21 of the base station 2sends and receives communication data related to the MTC device 1B viathe EPS bearer, whereby the MTC device 1B performs communication via theestablished EPS bearer.

<Second Operation Example>

A second example of operation in the second exemplary embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. The second example ofoperation illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 is an example in which the presentexemplary embodiment is applied to the “Attach Procedure” described insubchapter 5.3.2 of 3GPP specifications (TS23.401 v12.3.0).

FIG. 7 shows an example of operation related to the non-MTC device 1A.Here, when the non-MTC device 1A sends “Attach Request” to the basestation 2 (Operation S3-1), the base station 2 sends this “AttachRequest” to the MME 5 in the legacy network.

The MME 5, in response to reception of the “Attach Request”, performs aterminal authentication procedure (Operation S3-2). In theauthentication procedure, the MME 5 performs terminal-typeidentification (Operation S3-3). The MME 5 identifies the type of theterminal based on an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity)included in the “Attach Request”. The IMSI is the identificationinformation of the terminal.

When the MME 5 determines through the above-described identificationprocedure that the terminal is not an MTC device, the MME 5 initiates anEPS bearer establishment procedure (Operation S3-4). The EPS bearerestablishment procedure is similar to that of the operation exampleshown in FIG. 6, and therefore a detailed description thereof will beomitted.

Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of theMME 5 for terminal-type identification in the above-describedauthentication procedure, with reference to FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, the MME 5 sends “Authentication InformationRequest” to an HSS (Home Subscriber Server) 6 (Operation S3-10). The“Authentication Information Request” includes the IMSI.

The HSS 6 manages “External Identifier”, which is identificationinformation for allowing an external AS (Application Server) to identifyan MTC device. For example, the external AS calls an MTC device (callprocedure triggered by external AS), based on “External Identifier”. Forexample, an M2M service provider uses “External Identifier” to identifyan MTC device. The HSS 6 manages “External Identifier”, for example, inassociation with IMSI.

The HSS 6, in response to reception of the “Authentication InformationRequest”, searches for an “External Identifier” (Operation S3-11). Forexample, the HSS 6 searches for an “External Identifier” that isassociated with the IMSI included in the “Authentication InformationRequest”.

The HSS 6 sends “Authentication Information Answer” with the result of“External Identifier” search included therein to the MME 5 (OperationS3-12). For example, if the “Authentication Information Answer” includesinformation indicating that an “External Identifier” has been retrieved,the MME 5 determines that the terminal is an MTC device. Moreover, forexample, if the “Authentication Information Answer” does not includeinformation indicating that an “External Identifier” has been retrieved,the MME 5 determines that the terminal is not an MTC device.

Next, a description will be given of an example of operation related tothe MTC device 1B, with reference to FIG. 8. Note that Operations S3-5to S3-7 in FIG. 8 are basically similar to the operations described inFIGS. 7 and 9 above, and therefore a detailed description thereof willbe omitted.

When the MME 5 identifies through a terminal identification procedure(Operation S3-7) that the terminal is an MTC device as described above,the MME 5 sends “MME Reselection Indication” to the base station 2 tohave the base station 2 reselect an MME (Operation S3-8). For example,the MME 5 sends the “MME Reselection Indication” with information aboutan MME to be reselected by the base station 2 included therein to thebase station 2. The MME 5 can set, for example, the IP address of an MME(virtual MME 5A) in the virtual network in the “MME ReselectionIndication”.

The base station 2, in response to reception of the “MME ReselectionIndication”, sends “Attach Request” to the reselected MME (OperationS3-9). Assuming that the base station 2 reselects the virtual MME 5A,the base station 2 sends “Attach Request” to the reselected virtual MME5A.

The virtual MME 5A, in response to reception of the “Attach Request”,initiates a procedure for establishing an EPS bearer in the virtualnetwork (Operation S3-10). The EPS bearer establishment procedure issimilar to that of the operation example shown in FIG. 6, and thereforea detailed description thereof will be omitted. The MTC device 1Bcommunicates with the Internet or the like via the EPS bearerestablished in the virtual network.

In case of the second example of operation shown in FIG. 8, the MME 5has a function of instructing the base station 2 to reselect an MME,based on the type of a terminal. For example, the MME 5 includes avirtual entity management section 50 and a control section 51, as shownin FIG. 10.

The virtual entity management section 50 manages, for example, anaddress (IP address or the like) of the virtual MME 5A deployed in thevirtual network.

The control section 51 acquires the address of the virtual MME 5A fromthe virtual entity management section 50 when a terminal that is thesource of “Attach Request” is an MTC device. The control section 51sends the acquired IP address to the base station 2 to instruct it toreselect an MME. Thus, the base station 2 retransmits the “AttachRequest” as described above to the virtual MME 5A corresponding to theIP address notified from the control section 51.

<Third Operation Example>

Next, a third example of operation in the second exemplary embodimentwill be described with reference to FIG. 11. Note that Operations S4-1to S4-4 in FIG. 11 are similar to Operations S2-1 to S2-4 in FIG. 6described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will beomitted.

If a terminal is the MTC device 1B as described above, an MTC deviceidentifier is included in “RRC Connection Request” sent to the basestation 2. Accordingly, the base station 2 can select an MME, dependingon whether or not an MTC device identifier is included in “RRCConnection Request”. For example, when an MTC device identifier isincluded in “RRC Connection Request”, the base station 2 selects an MMEin the virtual network (virtual MME 5A).

Referring to FIG. 11, when the MTC device 1B sends “RRC ConnectionRequest” with an MTC device identifier included therein to the basestation 2 (Operation S4-5), the base station 2 selects the virtual MME5A in the virtual network (Operation S4-6). Thereafter, as described inFIG. 6, when the MTC device 1B sends a message for requesting connectionto a network (“Attach Request”) to the base station 2, the base station2 sends this “Attach Request” to the virtual MME 5A (Operation S4-7),and the MME 5A, in response to reception of the “Attach Request”,initiates an EPS bearer establishment procedure (Operation S4-8).

In the above-described examples of the second exemplary embodiment, thebase station 2 or MME 5 selects a network for the terminal 1 to connectto, based on the type of the terminal 1 (i.e., whether or not it is anMTC device). However, the second exemplary embodiment is not limited tothe above-described examples. The base station 2 or MME 5 may select anetwork for the terminal 1 to connect to, based on a policy related tothe type of the terminal 1. For example, it is also possible that thebase station 2 or MME 5 selects a network, based on the user attributeof the terminal 1 (e.g., whether or not the user is a premium user), thecharging property of the terminal 1 (e.g., whether the charging ismeter-rate charging or flat-rate charging), or the like.

3. Third Exemplary Embodiment

According to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, abase station 2 can select a network node for a terminal 1 to connect to,based on the type of communication traffic. The third exemplaryembodiment is applicable to the first or second exemplary embodiment, orany of the under-described embodiments.

3.1) System Architecture

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the base station 2 and a router 7 can selecta network through which a communication traffic between the terminal 1and an external network passes, from a legacy network and a virtualnetwork. The architectures of the legacy network and virtual network aresimilar to those of the first and second exemplary embodiments, andtherefore details thereof will be omitted.

The base station 2 has a switch function capable of switching theforwarding destination of a communication traffic, and may have theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 2, or may have a configurationillustrated in FIG. 13. In the example of FIG. 13, the base station 2includes a switch section 22 and a policy management DB (Data Base) 24,and the switch section 22 includes a plurality of ports 23.

The switch section 22 can switch the forwarding destination of acommunication traffic, based on the communication type. The switchsection 22 may be, for example, a virtual switch (vSwitch) configured byusing software.

The policy management DB 24 has a data structure illustrated in FIG. 14,and includes a rule for identifying a communication traffic(“Identification Rule”) and a destination to which the communicationtraffic that matches the rule is forwarded (“Destination”).

The switch section 22 refers to the policy management DB 24 andidentifies the type of a communication traffic that has entered a port23. More specifically, the switch section 22 compares a port numberwhere a communication traffic has entered (e.g., port number “80” incase of HTTP communication, or port number “25” in case of SMTPcommunication) with “Identification Rule” in the policy management DB24, and searches for an “Identification Rule” by using the port numberwhere the communication traffic has entered. The switch section 22forwards the input communication traffic to a “Destination” associatedwith the retrieved “Identification Rule”, that is, a port 23corresponding to a selected network, thus sending the communicationtraffic to the selected network. If an “Identification Rule”corresponding to the communication traffic is not found in the policymanagement DB 24, the switch section 22 selects a default forwardingdestination (e.g., legacy network) and forwards the communicationtraffic to a port 23 corresponding to the legacy network.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the router 7 has a configuration andfunctions similar to those of the base station 2. That is, the router 7includes a switch section 70 and a policy management DB 72, which haveconfigurations and functions similar to those of the switch section 22and policy management DB 24 of the base station 2, respectively.

3.2) Operation

As illustrated in FIG. 16, when the base station 2 receives “AttachRequest” from the terminal 1, the base station 2 forwards it to each ofthe MME 5 in the legacy network and the virtual MME 5A in the virtualnetwork (Operation S5-1).

When receiving the “Attach Request”, each of the MME 5 and virtual MME5A initiates an EPS bearer establishment procedure (Operation S5-2,Operation S5-3). Initiation of the EPS bearer establishment procedure bythe MME 5 causes control signals to be exchanged between the SGW 3, PGW4, MME 5, and base station 2, and an EPS bearer is established.Similarly, initiation of the EPS bearer establishment procedure by thevirtual MME 5A causes control signals to be exchanged between thevirtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A, virtual MME 5A, and base station 2, andan EPS bearer is established.

Note that it is also possible that the base station 2, when receiving“Attach Request” from the terminal 1, sends it only to the MME 5 in thelegacy network (Operation S5-1). The MME 5, in response to reception ofthe “Attach Request”, initiates an EPS bearer establishment procedure inboth the legacy network and virtual network (Operation S5-2, OperationS5-3). For example, the MME 5, in response to reception of the “AttachRequest”, sends a control signal related to EPS bearer establishment tothe SGW 3 and virtual SGW 3A.

When the EPS bearers are established for the terminal 1 in both thelegacy network and virtual network as described above, the base station2 and router 7 switch an EPS bearer through which the communicationtraffic related to the terminal 1 travels, based on the communicationtype.

For example, in the example of FIG. 16, when the communication type of acommunication traffic is “Traffic (A)”, the base station 2 and router 7forward this communication traffic to the EPS bearer established in thelegacy network. When the communication type is “Traffic (B)”, the basestation 2 and router 7 forward this communication traffic to the EPSbearer established in the virtual network (Operation S5-4, OperationS5-5).

4. Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

According to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anetwork node for a terminal 1 to connect to is selected based oninformation related to the location of the terminal 1. The fourthexemplary embodiment is applicable to any of the first to thirdexemplary embodiments and under-described embodiments.

4.1) System Architecture

A communication system illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a plurality ofnetworks (here, a legacy network and a virtual network) and a pluralityof base stations, and a network to connect to is selected depending onthe geographical location of the terminal 1. The architectures of thelegacy network and virtual network are as described already, andtherefore details thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, it is assumedthat a network to which the terminal 1 can be connected is determined tobe either the legacy network or the virtual network, depending on thelocation of the terminal 1. For example, the terminal 1 is connected tothe legacy network when it is staying in an area covered by a basestation 2(A), and is connected to the virtual network when it is stayingin an area covered by a base station 2(B).

4.2) Operation

<First Operation Example>

Referring to FIG. 18, it is assumed that the terminal 1 sends “AttachRequest” to the base station 2(A), and in response to this, the basestation 2(A) sends the “Attach Request” to a default MME (here, MME 5 inthe legacy network) (Operation S6-1). The “Attach Request” includes aTAI (Tracking Area ID) and an ECGI (E-UTRAN Cell Global ID). The TAI isthe identifier of an area where the terminal 1 has made locationregistration. The ECGI is the identifier of the cell of a base station 2to which the terminal 1 has connected.

The MME 5 selects a network for the terminal 1 to connect to, based onat least one of the TAI and ECGI included in the “Attach Request”(Operation S6-2). The MME 5 in this operation example has, for example,the above-described configuration and functions illustrated in FIG. 10.That is, the control section 51 of the MME 5 selects a network for theterminal 1 to connect to, based on at least one of the TAI and ECGI. Thecontrol section 51 has, for example, policy information indicating anetwork associated with the location of the terminal 1 (TAI or ECGI).The control section 51 refers to the policy information and searches fora network associated with the TAI or ECGI included in the “AttachRequest”. If the virtual network is associated with the TAI or ECGIincluded in the “Attach Request”, the control section 51 retrieves theaddress of the virtual MME 5A from the virtual entity management section50. The control section 51 notifies the retrieved address of the virtualMME 5A to the base station 2. The base station 2 retransmits the “AttachRequest” to the notified address of the virtual MME 5A.

In the example of FIG. 18, the legacy network is associated with the TAIor ECGI corresponding to the base station 2(A). Accordingly, inOperation S6-2, the MME 5 selects the legacy network as a network forthe terminal 1 to connect to. Since the MME 5 is deployed in the legacynetwork, the MME 5 initiates an EPS bearer establishment procedurewithout instructing the base station 2(A) to reselect an MME (OperationS6-3), and an EPS bearer is established in the legacy network. Theterminal 1 performs communication via the EPS bearer established in thelegacy network.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the terminal 1 sends “AttachRequest” to the base station 2(B), and in response to this, the basestation 2(B) makes connection and sends the “Attach Request” to the MME5 in the legacy network (Operation S6-4).

The MME 5 searches for a network associated with a TAI or an ECGIincluded in the “Attach Request”. In the example of FIG. 18, the virtualnetwork is associated with the TAI or ECGI corresponding to the basestation 2(B). Accordingly, the MME 5 selects the virtual network as anetwork for the terminal 1 to connect to (Operation S6-5). Uponselection of the virtual network, the MME 5 sends an instructionincluding the address of the virtual MME 5A (“MME ReselectionIndication”) to the base station 2(B) (Operation S6-6).

The base station 2(B) retransmits the “Attach Request” to the indicatedaddress, that is, the virtual MME 5A (Operation S6-7).

The virtual MME 5A, when receiving the “Attach Request”, initiates anEPS bearer establishment procedure (Operation S6-8), whereby an EPSbearer is established in the virtual network. The terminal 1 performscommunication via the EPS bearer established in the virtual network.

<Second Operation Example>

In another example of operation in the present exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 19, an MME is associated with each base station 2beforehand. For example, the MME 5 in the legacy network and the virtualMME 5A in the virtual network are associated with the base stations 2(A)and 2(B), respectively.

The base station 2(A) sends “Attach Request” sent from the terminal 1 tothe MME 5 associated with the base station 2(A) (Operation S6-9). TheMME 5 receives the “Attach Request”, thereby initiating a procedure forestablishing an EPS bearer in the legacy network (Operation S6-10). Uponinitiation of the EPS bearer establishment procedure by the MME 5,control signals are exchanged between the SGW 3, PGW 4, MME 5, and basestation 2, and an EPS bearer is established.

The base station 2(B) sends “Attach Request” sent from the terminal 1 tothe virtual MME 5A associated with the base station 2(B) (OperationS6-11). The virtual MME 5A receives the “Attach Request”, therebyinitiating a procedure for establishing an EPS bearer in the virtualnetwork (Operation S6-12). Upon initiation of the EPS bearerestablishment procedure by the virtual MME 5A, control signals areexchanged between the virtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A, virtual MME 5A,and base station 2, and an EPS bearer is established.

5. Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

According to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, acontrol apparatus centrally manages policies for network selection.Accordingly, efficiency in operation and management of the policies fornetwork selection or network node selection is enhanced. The fifthexemplary embodiment is applicable to any of the first to fourthexemplary embodiments and under-described embodiments.

A communication system according to the fifth exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 20 includes a plurality of networks (here, a legacynetwork and a virtual network), a terminal 1, a base station 2, and acontrol apparatus 8 having a function of notifying a policy for networkselection to the base station 2 and/or an MME. The architectures of thelegacy network and virtual network are as described already, andtherefore the same reference signs are given thereto and details thereofwill be omitted.

<Control Apparatus>

Referring to FIG. 21, the control apparatus 8 includes a policymanagement DB (Data Base) 80, a control section 81, and an interface 82.

The interface 82 is an interface for communicating with the base station2 and MME 5. For example, the control apparatus 8 can communicate withthe base station 2 and MME 5 based on a predetermined protocol via theinterface 82. The policy management DB 80 manages policies for networkselection. For example, the network operator enters a policy in thepolicy management DB 80. The control section 81 refers to the policymanagement DB 80 and notifies a policy to the base station 2 and MME 5via the interface 82.

The control apparatus 8 is, for example, a SON (Self Organizing Network)server, or may be an operation and management apparatus used by thenetwork operator.

<Policy Management DB>

The policy management DB 80 manages, for example, a policy used for thevirtual network to offload a load on the legacy network. Examples of thepolicy stored in the policy management DB 80 include the following.

A. Policy Related to Terminal Type

-   -   Connect MTC devices to the virtual network    -   Connect non-MTC devices to the legacy network    -   Connect predetermined MTC devices (e.g., smart meters) to the        virtual network    -   Connect MTC devices belonging to a predetermined MTC device        group to the virtual network    -   Connect terminals 1 corresponding to a predetermined user        attribute (e.g. premium user) to the legacy network    -   Connect terminals 1 corresponding to a predetermined user        attribute (e.g., general user) to the virtual network    -   Connect the terminals 1 of users whose communication amounts        exceed a predetermined value to the virtual network    -   Make a policy effective only within a predetermined period of        time (e.g., from 1:00 am to 4:00 am) (This policy is used in        combination with at least one of the above-mentioned policies.)        B. Policy Related to Communication Traffic Type    -   Forward communication traffic related to a predetermined        application (e.g., SNS application) to the virtual network    -   Forward communication traffic related to telephone calls to the        legacy network    -   Forward communication traffic related to telephone calls to        either the virtual network or the legacy network in a        round-robin manner for each user    -   Forward part of communication traffic related to a predetermined        application (e.g., SNS application) to the virtual network    -   Forward communication traffic related to a predetermined        application (e.g., SNS application) to either the virtual        network or the legacy network in a round-robin manner for each        user    -   Connect communication traffic corresponding to a predetermined        charging characteristic (e.g., flat-rate charging) to the        virtual network    -   Connect communication traffic corresponding to a predetermined        charging characteristic (e.g., meter-rate charging) to the        legacy network    -   Forward communication traffic related to a predetermined QoS        characteristic to the virtual network    -   Make a policy effective only within a predetermined period of        time (e.g., from 1:00 am to 4:00 am) (This policy is used in        combination with at least one of the above-mentioned policies.)        C. Policy Related to Terminal Location    -   Connect terminals 1 connected to a predetermined base station to        the virtual network    -   Connect terminals 1 connected to a base station corresponding to        a predetermined event or predetermined location (a shopping mall        or the like) to the virtual network    -   Connect terminals 1 connected to a predetermined cell to the        virtual network    -   Connect terminals 1 connected to a cell corresponding to a        predetermined event or predetermined location (a shopping mall        or the like) to the virtual network    -   Make a policy effective only within a predetermined period of        time (e.g., from 1:00 am to 4:00 am) (This policy is used in        combination with at least one of the above-mentioned policies.)

The base station 2 and MME 5 select a network or a network node by anyof the methods described in the above exemplary embodiments, based onthe received policy. The base station 2 and MME 5 can use each of theabove-mentioned policies individually, or also can use theabove-mentioned policies in combination.

<Base Station>

Referring to FIG. 22, it is assumed that the base station 2 communicateswith the control apparatus 8 via an interface 25. When the base station2 receives a policy from the control apparatus 8 via the interface 25,the base station 2 stores the received policy in the identificationsection 20. The identification section 20 selects a network based on thereceived policy. Moreover, the identification section 20 may select anetwork node based on the received policy.

The MME 5 may have an interface for communicating with the controlapparatus 8, similarly to the base station 2. The MME 5 receives apolicy from the control apparatus 8 via the interface and selects anetwork based on the received policy. The MME 5 may select a networknode based on the received policy.

6. Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

According to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, acontrol apparatus can perform resource provisioning in a virtualnetwork, whereby efficiency in operation and management of the virtualnetwork can be enhanced. The sixth exemplary embodiment is applicable toany of the first to fifth exemplary embodiments and under-describedembodiments.

6.1) System Architecture

A communication system according to the present exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 23 includes a plurality of networks (here, a legacynetwork and a virtual network), a terminal 1, a base station 2, and acontrol apparatus 8. The architectures of the legacy network and virtualnetwork are as described already, and therefore the same reference signsare given thereto and details thereof will be omitted.

The control apparatus 8 performs resource provisioning in the virtualnetwork. For example, the control apparatus 8, in preparation forcommunication traffic offloading, can allocate resources (serverresource, CPU resource, network resource, and the like) to a virtualnetwork node (virtual MME, virtual SGW, virtual PGW, or the like). Thisresource allocation to a virtual network node can be performed, forexample, to a virtual machine that runs the virtual network node.

As an example, the control apparatus 8 can estimate a time period of daywhen communication traffic increases and, prior to this time period,perform resource provisioning in the virtual network. Moreover, thecontrol apparatus 8 can also dynamically perform resource provisioningin the virtual network, responding to an increase in communicationtraffic.

6.2) Control Apparatus

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the control apparatus 8 includes a virtual NW(network) control section 83 that performs resource provisioning in thevirtual network, in addition to the configuration illustrated in theabove-described fifth exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 21). However, theconfiguration of the control apparatus 8 according to the presentexemplary embodiment is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 24. Forexample, the control apparatus 8 does not need to include a function ofnotifying a policy for network selection to the base station 2 and thelike (policy management DB 80 or the like). Moreover, the controlapparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment may be adiscrete apparatus different from the control apparatus according to thefifth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 21).

Hereinafter, functional sections similar to those shown in FIG. 21 aredenoted by the same reference signs as in FIG. 21, omitting adescription thereof, and a detailed description will be given of thevirtual NW control section 83 that performs resource provisioning in thevirtual network.

The virtual NW control section 83, for example, prior to a time periodof day when communication from an MTC device of a predetermined typeoccurs, allocates resources capable of processing the communicationtraffic from this MTC device to the virtual network.

For example, the virtual NW control section 83 allocates a resource forprocessing a control signal (e.g., control signal related to a networkconnection request) sent by the MTC device to the virtual MME 5A.Moreover, for example, the virtual NW control section 83 allocatesresources for processing U-Plane (user-plane) data sent by the MTCdevice to the virtual SGW 3A and virtual PGW 4A. The virtual NW controlsection 83 may allocate a resource for processing communication trafficrelated to a group of MTC devices of a predetermined type to the virtualnetwork. The virtual NW control section 83 may release the resourcesfrom the virtual network during a time period of day when communicationtraffic from the MTC device does not occur. The control section 81 ofthe control apparatus 8 notifies a policy for network selection to thebase station 2 and the like, for example, in response to allocation ofthe resources for processing communication traffic related to the MTCdevice. The policy notified to the base station 2 and the like is, forexample, an MTC device-related policy of the policies illustrated in theabove-described fifth exemplary embodiment.

The virtual NW control section 83 can estimate a time period of day whencommunication traffic increases, for example, based on a result ofanalysis of communication traffic in the communication system and, basedon the estimation result, allocate resources for processing theincreasing communication traffic to the virtual network. The virtual NWcontrol section 83 may perform the analysis of communication traffic.Moreover, the virtual NW control section 83 may acquire the result oftraffic analysis from the network operator via OSS/BSS (OperationSupport System/Business Support System).

For example, the virtual NW control section 83 allocates a resource forprocessing control signals of the communication traffic expected toincrease to the virtual MME 5A. Moreover, for example, the virtual NWcontrol section 83 allocates resources for processing U-Plane(user-plane) data expected to increase to the virtual SGW 3A and virtualPGW 4A.

The control section 81 of the control apparatus 8 notifies a policy fornetwork selection to the base station 2 and the like, for example, inresponse to allocation of the resources. Moreover, the control section81 can also notify at least one of the policies illustrated in theabove-described fifth exemplary embodiment to the base station 2 and thelike. For example, to offload communication traffic, the control section81 notifies the base station 2 and the like of a policy indicating toforward communication traffic related to a predetermined application tothe virtual network.

The virtual NW control section 83 can allocate resources to the virtualnetwork, for example, in response to occurrence of a disaster such as anearthquake. Moreover, the virtual NW control section 83 can allocateresources to the virtual network, for example, prior to a date and timewhen an event attracting many terminal users takes place.

For example, the virtual NW control section 83 can allocate resourcesfor processing telephone calls or data communication expected toincrease with occurrence of a disaster or an event, to the virtual SGW3A, virtual PGW 4A, and virtual MME 5A. The control section 81 of thecontrol apparatus 8 notifies a policy for network selection to the basestation 2 and the like, for example, in response to allocation of theresources. For example, the control section 81 can also notify at leastone of the policies illustrated in the above-described fifth exemplaryembodiment to the base station 2 and the like. For example, to offloadcommunication traffic, the control section 81 may notify the basestation 2 and the like of a policy indicating to forward communicationtraffic related to a predetermined application to the virtual network.Alternatively, the control section 81 can also notify the base station 2and the like of a policy indicating to connect terminals 1 correspondingto a predetermined user attribute (e.g., general user) to the virtualnetwork. Moreover, for example, the control section 81 may notify thebase station 2 and the like of a policy indicating to forwardcommunication traffic related to telephone calls to either the virtualnetwork or the legacy network in a round-robin manner for each user.

The virtual NW control section 83 can allocate resources to the virtualnetwork, for example, based on a performance required of the virtualnetwork. For example, the virtual NW control section 83 allocatesresources to the virtual network so that SLA (Service Level Agreement)required of the virtual network will be satisfied. The control section81 of the control apparatus 8 notifies a policy for network selection tothe base station 2 and the like, for example, in response to allocationof the resources. For example, the control section 81 may notify atleast one of the policies illustrated in the above-described fifthexemplary embodiment to the base station 2 and the like.

For example, the virtual NW control section 83 can estimate the amountof communication traffic expected to flow into the virtual network inaccordance with a policy that has been notified to the base station 2and the like. The virtual NW control section 83 may estimate the amountof communication traffic expected to flow into the virtual network inaccordance with a policy that is to be notified to the base station 2and the like. The virtual NW control section 83 allocates resources tothe virtual network, based on the thus estimated communication amount.For example, the virtual NW control section 83 allocates to the virtualnetwork resources required to process the communication traffic expectedto flow into the virtual network. The virtual NW control section 83 mayallocate to the virtual network resources required to process thecommunication traffic expected to flow into the virtual network with aperformance satisfying a predetermined SLA. The control section 81 ofthe control apparatus 8 notifies a policy for network selection to thebase station 2 and the like, for example, in response to allocation ofthe resources. For example, the control section 81 notifies at least oneof the policies illustrated in the above-described fifth exemplaryembodiment to the base station 2 and the like.

6.3) Communication Apparatus

As illustrated in FIG. 25, a communication apparatus 100 is an apparatusrunning virtual machines that provide virtual network functions in thevirtual network, that is, the functions of virtual network nodes (e.g.,virtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A, virtual MME 5A, and the like), and is,for example, a server, router, or the like.

It is assumed that the communication apparatus 100 includes a controlsection 110 and at least one virtual network function (VNF: VirtualNetwork Function) 120.

The control section 110 can operate a VNF 120, which provides thefunctions of a virtual network node, on a virtual machine. For example,the control section 110 may be configured by using control softwarecapable of computer virtualization, such as Hypervisor.

The control section 110 can perform at least one of activation,deactivation, and migration (migration of a virtual machine to anothercommunication apparatus 100) of a virtual machine to run/running a VNF120.

Each of the virtual network nodes has, for example, the followingfunctions. Virtual P-GW 4A:

-   -   Function of processing packets (User-Plane function)    -   Function of managing charging status based on communication        (PCEF: Policy and Charging Enforcement Function)    -   Function of controlling policies such as QoS (PCRF: Policy and        Charging Rule Function)        Virtual S-GW 3A:    -   Function of processing packets (User-Plane function)    -   Function of processing control signaling (C-Plane function)    -   Lawful interception (LI: Lawful Interception) function for        intercepting communication        Virtual MME 5A:    -   Function of processing control signaling (C-Plane function)    -   Function of managing subscriber information in the communication        system in liaison with HSS (Home Subscriber Server)

The VNFs 120 operate as the above-mentioned virtual network nodes onvirtual machines. In the above-described exemplary embodiment, a VNF 120is constructed for each virtual network node, but a VNF 120 may beconstructed for each function included in each virtual network node. Forexample, a VNF 120 may operate as the U-Plane function of the virtualPGW 4A on a virtual machine.

The virtual NW control section 83 of the control apparatus 8 caninstruct the control section 110 of the communication apparatus 100about at least one of activation, deletion, and migration of a virtualmachine for executing a VNF 120. The virtual NW control section 83 cancontrol a resource in the virtual network by instructing the controlsection 110 about at least one of activation, deletion, and migration ofa virtual machine.

7. Seventh Exemplary Embodiment

According to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention,the operator of a virtual network can rent out the virtual network tothe operator of a legacy network. The operator of the virtual networkcan gain a charge for use of the virtual network by renting the virtualnetwork in return for payment. Moreover, the operator of the legacynetwork can virtually reinforce the network even if the operator itselfmakes no capital investment on the legacy network. The seventh exemplaryembodiment is applicable to any of the first to sixth exemplaryembodiments.

7.1) System Architecture

A communication system according to the present exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 26 includes a plurality of networks (here, a legacynetwork and a virtual network) operated by their respective operators, aterminal 1, and a base station 2, wherein it is assumed that theterminal 1 is a terminal of a subscriber to the legacy network. Thearchitectures of the legacy network and virtual network are as describedalready, and therefore the same reference signs are given thereto anddetails thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 26, the operator of the virtual network (operator: B)can rent out the virtual network to the operator of the legacy network(operator: A). The operator A can reduce the load on the legacy networkby offloading communication traffic onto the rented virtual network.

The base station 2 is assumed to be owned by the operator A or B, andcan send at least part of communication traffic from the terminals ofthe operator A's subscribers to the virtual network. The base station 2can identify a communication traffic of a subscriber's terminal and cansend the identified traffic to the virtual network. The base station 2can send part of communication traffic from the terminals of theoperator A's subscribers to the virtual network, for example, based onthe policies illustrated in the above-described fifth exemplaryembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the operator A pays a usage charge to theoperator B in return for use of the virtual network owned by theoperator B. For a method for charging the operator A, for example, amonthly or annual flat-rate system, a meter-rate system depending oncommunication data or a communication duration in the virtual network, ameter-rate system depending on resource amounts corresponding to virtualmachines allocated to the virtual network for the operator A, or thelike can be employed. Note that these charging methods are recited forillustration, and a method for charging the operator A is not limited tothe above-mentioned examples.

Policies for network selection to be set on the base station 2 by theoperator A may be, for example, the policies illustrated in theabove-described fifth exemplary embodiment. Moreover, the operator A mayset a policy on the MME 5. The base station 2 or MME 5 selects a networkfor the terminal 1 to connect to, in accordance with the set policy.Note that it is also possible that the operator B of the virtual networksets policies on the base station 2 or the like on behalf of theoperator A.

7.2) First Operation Example

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the base station 2 sends “Attach Request”received from the terminal 1 to the virtual MME 5A (Operation S7-1).Prior to Operation S7-1, the base station 2 can select the virtual MME5A as the transmission destination of this “Attach Request” throughOperations S2-5 and S2-6 in FIG. 6. Moreover, the virtual MME 5A may beselected as the transmission destination of the “Attach Request” throughOperations S3-6 to S3-9 in FIG. 8. Further, the virtual MME 5A may beselected as the transmission destination of the “Attach Request” throughOperations S4-5 to S4-7 in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the “Attach Request”may be sent to the virtual MME 5A based on the operations illustrated inFIG. 16, 18, or 19.

The base station 2 can manage a virtual MME 5A for each operator thatuses the virtual network. For example, the network switching section 21of the base station 2 can select a dedicated virtual MME 5A for theoperator A. That is, the base station 2 can select the dedicated virtualMME 5A for a traffic from the terminal 1 of a subscriber to the legacynetwork owned by the operator A.

Prior to reception of the “Attach Request”, the virtual MME 5A performsprocessing for authenticating the terminal 1. The virtual MME 5A canauthenticate the terminal 1, for example, by using an HSS 6 deployed inthe virtual network. The virtual MME 5A may authenticate the terminal 1by using an HSS 6 deployed in the legacy network.

For example, the HSS 6 manages the IMSI of the terminal 1 in associationwith information related to the operator to which the terminal 1subscribes. For example, in the above-mentioned authenticationprocessing, the virtual MME 5A acquires the information related to theoperator to which the terminal 1 subscribes from the HSS 6 andidentifies the operator corresponding to the terminal 1.

The virtual MME 5A initiates EPS bearer establishment. In the example ofFIG. 28, the virtual MME 5A allocates dedicated gateways (virtual SGW 3Aand virtual PGW 4A) to the operator A that rents the virtual networkfrom the operator B. Even if another operator (e.g., operation C) rentsthe virtual network from the operator B, different gateways areallocated to the operators A and C, respectively. A different gateway isallocated to each operator that uses the virtual network, wherebycommunication traffics related to the individual operators are virtuallyseparated, and security is enhanced.

The virtual MME 5A, in response to reception of the “Attach Request”,selects the virtual SGW 3 specific to the operator A (Operation S7-2).

For example, referring to the configuration of the MME shown in FIG. 10,the virtual entity management section 50 of the virtual MME 5A managesvirtual entities (virtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A, and the like) for eachoperator that uses the virtual network. The control section 51 of thevirtual MME 5A selects the virtual SGW 3A corresponding to the operatorA in accordance with the virtual entity management section 50.

Moreover, for example, the control section 51 of the virtual MME 5Aselects a virtual SGW 3A to be allocated to the operator A from amongthe virtual entities managed by the virtual entity management section50. The virtual entity management section 50 associates the virtual SGW3A selected by the control section 50 with the identificationinformation of the operator to which this virtual SGW 3A is allocated.The control section 51, when selecting a virtual SGW 3A, selects avirtual entity with which no identification information of an operatoris associated, among the virtual entities managed by the virtual entitymanagement section 50.

The virtual MME 5A sends a “Create Session Request” message to thevirtual SGW 3A selected in Operation S7-2 (Operation S7-3). The virtualMME 5A allocates the dedicated virtual PGW 4A to the operator A thatrents the virtual network from the operator B. The virtual MME 5A setsthe IP address of the virtual PGW 4A allocated to the operator A in the“Create Session Request” message.

For example, the virtual entity management section 50 of the virtual MME5A manages virtual entities (virtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A, and thelike) for each operator using the virtual network. The control section51 of the virtual MME 5A sets the IP address of the virtual PGW 4Acorresponding to the operator A in the “Create Session Request” messagein accordance with the virtual entity management section 50.

Moreover, for example, the control section 51 of the virtual MME 5Aselects a virtual PGW 4A to be allocated to the operator A from amongthe virtual entities managed by the virtual entity management section50. The virtual entity management section 50 associates the virtual PGW4A selected by the control section 51 with the identificationinformation of the operator to which this virtual PGW 4A is allocated.The control section 51, when selecting a virtual PGW 4A, selects avirtual entity with which no identification information of an operatoris associated, among the virtual entities managed by the virtual entitymanagement section 50.

The virtual SGW 3A, in response to reception of the “Create SessionRequest” message from the virtual MME 5A, sends a “Create SessionRequest” message to the virtual PGW 4A designated in the receivedmessage (Operation S7-4). The virtual SGW 3A sets its own IP address inthe message to send to the virtual PGW 4A.

The virtual PGW 4A sends a “Create Session Response” message to thevirtual SGW 3A (Operation S7-5).

The virtual SGW 3A sends a “Create Session Response” message to thevirtual MME 5A (Operation S7-6). In response to reception of the “CreateSession Response” message, the virtual MME 5A notifies the base station2 of information for establishing a session between the virtual SGW 3Aand the base station 2.

Through the operations illustrated in FIG. 28 above, an EPS bearer isestablished in the virtual network. The terminal (terminal 1 in FIG. 28)of the subscriber to the legacy network of the operator A performscommunication via the established EPS bearer.

7.3) Second Operation Example

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the base station 2 sends “Attach Request”received from the terminal 1 to the virtual MME 5A (Operation S8-1). Forexample, prior to Operation S8-1, the base station 2 selects the virtualMME 5A as the transmission destination of the “Attach Request” throughOperations S2-5 and S2-6 in FIG. 6. Moreover, for example, the basestation 2 may select the virtual MME 5A as the transmission destinationof the “Attach Request” through Operations S3-6 to S3-9 in FIG. 8.Further, for example, the base station 2 may select the virtual MME 5Aas the transmission destination of the “Attach Request” throughOperations S4-5 to S4-7 in FIG. 11. Furthermore, for example, the basestation 2 may send the “Attach Request” to the virtual MME 5A based onthe operations illustrated in FIGS. 16, 18, and 19.

Prior to reception of the “Attach Request”, the virtual MME 5A performsprocessing for authenticating the terminal 1. The virtual MME 5A canauthenticate the terminal 1, for example, by using the HSS 6 deployed inthe virtual network. The virtual MME 5A may authenticate the terminal 1by using the HSS 6 deployed in the legacy network.

For example, the HSS 6 manages the IMSI of the terminal 1 in associationwith information related to the operator to which this terminal 1subscribes. For example, in the above-mentioned authenticationprocessing, the virtual MME 5A acquires the information related to theoperator to which the terminal 1 subscribes from the HSS 6 andidentifies the operator corresponding to the terminal 1.

The virtual MME 5A, when receiving the “Attach Request”, sends a “CreateSession Request” message to the virtual SGW 3A (Operation S8-2). Forexample, the virtual MME 5A sets the information related to the operatorcorresponding to the terminal 1 in the “Create Session Request”. Thevirtual MME 5A initiates EPS bearer establishment by sending the “CreateSession Request” message.

In the example of FIG. 29, each of the virtual MME 5A, virtual SGW 3A,and virtual PGW 4A allocates a dedicated TEID to a bearer related to theoperator A that rents the virtual network from the operator B. Even ifanother operator (e.g., operator C) rents the virtual network from theoperator B, a TEID specific to each operator is allocated to each of thebearers related to the operators A and C, respectively. A TEID specificto each operator that uses the virtual network is allocated, wherebysecurity is enhanced.

The virtual SGW 3A, when receiving the “Attach Request” from the virtualMME 5A, sends a “Create Session Request” message to the virtual PGW 4A(Operation S8-3). The virtual SGW 3A allocates a TEID for the operator Ato the terminal 1, which is a terminal of the operator A's subscriber,and sets the selected TEID in the “Create Session Request” message.Moreover, the virtual SGW 3A may set the information related to theoperator corresponding to the terminal 1 in the “Create SessionRequest”.

The virtual SGW 3A can manage, for each operator that uses the virtualnetwork, a group of candidate TEIDs to allocate to the operator. Forexample, the virtual SGW 3A manages a group of candidate TEIDs toallocate to the operator A and a group of candidate TEIDs to allocate tothe operator C. The virtual SGW 3A selects a TEID, based on operatorinformation notified from the virtual MME 5A.

Moreover, for example, the virtual SGW 3 selects a TEID to allocate tothe operator A from a TEID group. The virtual SGW 3A associates theselected TEID with the identification information of the operator towhich this TEID is allocated. When selecting a TEID, the virtual SGW 3Aselects a TEID with which no identification information of an operatoris associated.

The virtual PGW 4A, when receiving the “Create Session Request” messagefrom the virtual SGW 3A, returns a “Create Session Response” message tothe virtual SGW 3A (Operation S8-4). The virtual PGW 4A allocates a TEIDfor the operator A to the terminal 1, which is a terminal of theOperator A's subscriber, and sets the selected TED in the “CreateSession Response” message. The virtual PGW 4A selects the TED, forexample, by a method similar to that used by the virtual SGW 3A.

The virtual SGW 3A, when receiving the “Create Session Request” messagefrom the virtual PGW 4A, sends a “Create Session Response” message tothe virtual MME 5A (Operation S8-5). The virtual SGW 3A allocates a TEIDfor the operator A to the terminal 1, which is a terminal of theoperator A's subscriber, and sets the selected TEID in the “CreateSession Response” message. The virtual MME 5A, in response to receptionof the “Create Session Response” message, notifies the base station 2 ofinformation for establishing a session between the virtual SGW 3A andthe base station 2.

Through the operations illustrated in FIG. 29 above, an EPS bearer isestablished in the virtual network. The terminal (terminal 1 in FIG. 29)of the subscriber to the legacy network of the operator A performscommunication via the established EPS bearer.

7.4) Other System Architecture

In a communication system illustrated in FIG. 30, the virtual networkoperator (operator B) can monitor communication traffic related to anoperator that rents the virtual network from the operator B.

More specifically, a virtual PCRF (Policy and Charging Rule Function) 40deployed in the virtual network monitors communication traffic. Avirtual PCRF 40 is deployed for each operator (operator A, operator C)that rents the virtual network from the operator B.

For example, the operator B of the virtual network deploys the virtualPCRFs 40 in the virtual network through the control apparatus 8. Forexample, referring to the configuration shown in FIG. 24, the virtual NWcontrol section 83 of the control apparatus 8 deploys, in the virtualnetwork, a virtual PCRF 40 for monitoring communication traffic relatedto the operator A that uses the virtual network.

For example, each virtual PGW 4A connects to a virtual PCRF 40 for anoperator that is associated with the virtual PGW 4A. Each virtual PGW 4Acan count the number of packets by using PCEF (Policy and ChargingEnforcement Function) function and forward the result of counting thenumber of packets to the virtual PCRF 40 connected to the virtual PGW4A.

The virtual network operator (operator B) monitors the number of countedpackets at each virtual PCRF 40 and acquires a communication amount foreach operator that uses the virtual network. The operator B charges eachoperator for use of the virtual network, for example, based on thecommunication amount of the operator.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been describedhereinabove. However, the present invention is not limited to each ofthe above-described embodiments. The present invention can beimplemented based on a modification of, a substitution of, and/or anadjustment to each exemplary embodiment. Moreover, the present inventioncan be also implemented by combining any of the exemplary embodiments.That is, the present invention incorporates the entire disclosure ofthis description, and any types of modifications and adjustments thereofthat can be implemented based on technical ideas. Furthermore, thepresent invention can be also applied to the technical field of SDN(Software-Defined Network).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Terminal-   10 Message generation section-   11 Communication section-   2 Base station-   20 Identification section-   21 Network switching section-   22 Switch section-   23 Port-   24 Policy management DB-   3 SGW-   3A Virtual SGW-   4 PGW-   4A Virtual PGW-   40 Virtual PCRF-   5 MME-   50 Virtual entity management section-   51 Control section-   5A Virtual MME-   7 Router-   70 Switch section-   71 Port-   72 Policy management DB-   8 Control apparatus-   80 Policy management DB-   81 Control section-   82 Interface-   83 Virtual NW control section-   100 Communication apparatus-   110 Control section-   120 Virtual network function

The invention claimed is:
 1. A communication apparatus that is a basestation connected to a first network and a second network, the firstnetwork and the second network being core networks, the communicationapparatus comprising: a first controller that is configured to select,from among a plurality of network nodes including a first network nodeand a second network node, the second network node for a terminalcapable of autonomous communication with a communication-counterpartequipment when the communication apparatus that is the base stationreceives a network connection request from the terminal, wherein thefirst network node performs predetermined signal processing in the firstnetwork and the second network node operates a function of the firstnetwork node through a virtual machine in the second network; and asecond controller that is configured to send communication data relatedto the terminal to the second network node selected, wherein the secondcontroller is configured to send the communication data related toprocessing for connection between at least one of the plurality ofnetworks and the terminal, to the second network node selected, whereinthe first controller is configured to select the second network node forthe terminal, wherein the second network node is operated by the virtualmachine which is dynamically constructed, and wherein the firstcontroller is configured to select the second network node for theterminal, wherein the second network node is operated by the virtualmachine, which is dynamically constructed according to a requirementrelated to processing of the communication data of the terminal.
 2. Thecommunication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firstcontroller is configured to select the second network node for theterminal, wherein the second network node is operated by the virtualmachine, which is dynamically constructed according to an occurrencetiming of the communication data of the terminal.
 3. The communicationapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first controller isconfigured to select the second network node for the terminal, based oninformation included in a connection request sent from the terminal. 4.The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firstcontroller is configured to select the second network node for aterminal belonging to a predetermined group among terminals capable ofautonomous communication with the communication-counterpart equipment.5. A communication method, in a communication apparatus that is a basestation connected with a first network and a second network, the firstnetwork and the second network being core networks, the communicationmethod comprising: selecting, from among a plurality of network nodesincluding a first network node and a second network node, the secondnetwork node for a terminal capable of autonomous communication with acommunication-counterpart equipment, by the communication apparatus thatis the base station when receiving a network connection request from theterminal, wherein the first network node performs predetermined signalprocessing in the first network and the second network node operates afunction of the first network node through a virtual machine in thesecond network; and sending, by the communication apparatus,communication data related to the terminal to the second network nodeselected, wherein the communication data related to processing forconnection between at least one of the plurality of networks and theterminal, is sent to the second network node selected, wherein thesecond network node is selected for the terminal, wherein the secondnetwork node is operated by the virtual machine which is dynamicallyconstructed, and wherein the second network node is selected for theterminal, wherein the second network node is operated by the virtualmachine, which is dynamically constructed according to a requirementrelated to processing of the communication data of the terminal.
 6. Thecommunication method according to claim 5, wherein the second networknode is selected for the terminal, wherein the second network node isoperated by the virtual machine, which is dynamically constructedaccording to an occurrence timing of the communication data of theterminal.
 7. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein thesecond network node is selected for the terminal, based on informationincluded in a connection request sent from the terminal.
 8. Thecommunication method according to claim 5, wherein the second networknode is selected for a terminal belonging to a predetermined group amongterminals capable of autonomous communication with thecommunication-counterpart equipment.
 9. A non-transitory recordingmedium storing a computer program which comprises a set of instructionsto execute the communication method according to claim
 5. 10. Acommunication system comprising: a plurality of network nodes includinga first network node and a second network node, wherein the firstnetwork node performs predetermined signal processing in a first networkand the second network node operates a function of the first networknode through a virtual machine in a second network, wherein the firstnetwork and the second network are core networks; and a communicationapparatus that is a base station and that processes communication datarelated to a terminal, wherein the communication apparatus includes: afirst controller that is configured to select, from among the pluralityof networks nodes, the second network node for a terminal capable ofautonomous communication with a communication-counterpart equipment; anda second controller that is configured to send communication datarelated to the terminal to the second network node selected, wherein thecommunication data related to processing for connection between at leastone of the plurality of networks and the terminal, is sent to the secondnetwork node selected, wherein the second network node is selected forthe terminal, wherein the second network node is operated by the virtualmachine which is dynamically constructed, and wherein the second networknode is selected for the terminal, wherein the second network node isoperated by the virtual machine, which is dynamically constructedaccording to a requirement related to processing of the communicationdata of the terminal.
 11. The communication system according to claim10, wherein the second network node is selected for the terminal,wherein the second network node is operated by the virtual machine,which is dynamically constructed according to an occurrence timing ofthe communication data of the terminal.